These shoes have an unusual embroidery design. They would have been worn with buckles, perhaps of diamante. An embroider would have made the uppers of this pair of shoes, which would have then been sent to the shoemaker. The embroidery may have been worked by the wearer.
Each shoe with pointed toe, a pair of latchets of plain old gold silk damask embroidered to the edges, a wide tongue and a louis heel, all embroidered in parallel lines in a darkish green silks in a cross stitch, all edged in silk braid, the hell also covered with silk damask embroidered in similar way, ivory suede rands , leather soles, lined with linen to reveal the embroidery.
The sole 8 3/4 in; 22 cm
Really in remarkable condition. A little wear to the latchets, which would have had buckles attached and piercing the silk. The tongue silk damask also has a little wear. The toes of both shoes have worn toes, to reveal the linen below. The heel is a little grubby, which a conservator could probably improve upon. The soles with wear. The second shoe has a small piece of braid coming away, but this could be easily stitched. Both shoes have darkish markings to the fronts.
Shoes Rebecca Shawcross p 53 for similar shoe, earlier shoe 1675 - 1700, but with bands of braid.
Footwear Alan & Vanessa Hopkins p 8/9 for similar shoes but with bands of braid.
The Seductive Shoe Jonathan Walford p 34.
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